Method of running multiple operating systems on an x86-based computer

Abstract

Two or more distinct operating systems (OSs) are loaded simultaneously and run on an x86 computer system. Each OS is booted serially and in such a way that the OS resides in a separate memory footprint than the other OSs by partitioning the memory map. The partition of the memory map includes a low memory region, dedicated memory partitions for storing each OS, and dedicated regions for storing shadows of the low memory region and the ACPI for each OS. Switching between the two or more resident OSs is performed by sleeping the current OS and then resuming the desired OS using the shadow previously stored for the desired OS. None of the resident OSs require any modification in order to run in this fashion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 219,008, filed Jun. 22, 2009, which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to operating systems for x86-based computer systems and, more particularly, to running multiple operating systems on a single x86-based computer system.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The use of two or more different operating systems (OSs) on a single computer system, such as a Windows-based and a Linux-based operating system (OS), is often desirable for users of computer systems. Techniques known in the art that allow multiple OSs to be run on the same computer system include emulation, virtualization, and combinations of both.[0006]In emulation-based techniques, one OS, referred to as a guest OS, is run as an application of another OS, whi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]One advantage of the disclosed method is that multiple OSs can be loaded and run on a single x86-based computer without the lower performance associated with emulation. Another advantage of the disclosed method is that hardware support is not required.

Problems solved by technology

A significant disadvantage of emulation-based techniques is a reduction in speed.

In addition, the guest OS does not have full control of any real hardware.

In a virtualization approach, the guest OS is allowed to run directly on the CPU for some period of time, but has the disadvantage of requiring hardware support.

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